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“I Can’t Want It More Than You Do”: The Leadership Truth No One Likes to Hear
In my mid-20s, I got involved in the network marketing world. Say what you will about the industry: the one thing it does well is pump people full of personal development wisdom. Motivational talks, team huddles, daily doses of “you got this!” — it was like self-help on steroids and at that point of time, I needed that.
And buried in all that hype was one sentence that still punches me in the gut today:
“I can’t want your success more than you do.”
At the time, I brushed it off like just another pep talk. But looking back, I realize it’s one of the truest, hardest lessons I’ve ever learned especially when I started coaching and mentoring others.
Inspiration Isn’t Enough: You Can’t Carry People Who Won’t Walk
Whether you’re a team leader, mentor, freelancer, or even just a super enthusiastic friend trying to support someone — this hits home. You can pour your heart and soul into helping someone grow. You can hand them the roadmap, clear the obstacles, and even walk beside them.
But if they’re not willing to take the steps themselves? Nothing moves.
